The 5X Mass Notification System will undergo campuswide testing on Tuesday, March 24, between 6 and 6:30 p.m.
The testing is required due to updates to the system that will expedite the process of alerting campus to threats and improve the overall ease of use. Select office phones marked with a red sticker that reads “MNS” will now display a written message in addition to the recording that plays on campus. Additionally, the changes will simplify the process for dispatchers when alerting the campus community.
“We are making it easier for dispatchers to activate the emergency alert system with a touch of a button,” said Jeff Futo, Kent State police officer and emergency and safety specialist. “Integrating these systems to a touch of a button allows the dispatcher to send emergency alerts quickly and easily, and frees them up to perform all the other important tasks they need to do when a quickly evolving emergency occurs.”
Futo also says the new feature will improve communication to those who are deaf or hearing impaired during an emergency.
The test, which should last between five to 10 minutes, will broadcast a test message, a lockdown/ active threat message, a tornado warning message and an all-clear message. Between these messages, Kent State Police Services will provide additional notifications indicating that these alerts are just a drill.
If problems with the Tuesday test occur, the system will be tested on Thursday, March 26, between 6 and 6:30 p.m.
If you have questions, contact Futo at jfuto@kent.edu or 330-672-1494.